Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and performer Alan Bissett, who was one of our earliest podcast guests back in 2011. That was the year of his last novel 'Pack Men' and the two talk about his first book of published prose since, the novella 'Lazy Susan'. They discuss the character of Susie 'Q' Martin, the return to writing fiction, the novella as a format, the book's inventive structure, the relationship between author and reader, new ways to tell old stories, and so much more. It's a fascinating chat with one of Scotland's finest writers, and there's also the bonus of readings from Alan (as God!) and Rosalind Watt as 'Lazy Susan'.

The latest podcast is all about the forthcoming Paisley Book Festival, and Ali spoke to co-producer Keira Brown and writer-in-residence Imogen Stirling all about the festival, the necessary move to online, the theme of 'Radical New Futures', and a whole lot more. Keira talks us through the programme, and how people can get involved, and Imogen explains her role and some of the workshops she is running, and the events she has created. It's the perfect introduction to what promises to be a one of the must attend events of 2021. For full details go to paisleybookfest.com

For the first SWH! podcast of 2021 Ali spoke to writer David F. Ross about his latest novel 'There's Only One Danny Garvey' (out now, published by Orenda Books). The two try to avoid all spoilers as they talk about the inspiration behind the book, and Danny himself, as well as the setting of Scottish junior football, a different approach to writing this time around, the importance of music and mixtapes to the plot, and a whole lot more. It's always a pleasure to catch up with David, and we think this podcast kicks off the new year in fine style!

This is a bonus podcast for the end of this difficult year. During Lockdown 1 Ali recorded podcasts with his brother Andy to discuss their favourite albums from the 1980s to the last decade, which you can still find at scotswhayhae.com. Recently they got together once again to discuss their cultural year, and the things which have helped them through the last 12 months. They talk books, music, podcasts, art, anniversaries, festivals, opera, literary giants, ghosts, beer, the comfort of nostalgia, and more. This is our last podcast of 2020 so we wish all our listeners the very best over the festive period, and that you have a great 2021.

The final podcast for this year is our roundup of the Best Music of 2020, where Ali is joined by Richard Bull, the producer of BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart Show. They each pick 10 releases to talk about, but take a few detours and diversions along the way. We hope you enjoy their musical memories of the past 12 months, and find something of enough interest to investigate further.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to artists Frances Macdonald and Ross Ryan about their current exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh. Frances and Ross are mother and son, so the exhibition's title of A Family Affair is apt. They explain their working methods, how the were first drawn to art, how they approached this collaborative exhibition, the importance of their home in Argyll in their work, (specifically Crinan where the family run the Crinan Hotel) and the local islands, and their differing approaches to capturing and portraying the natural world. They also describe how they view each other's work, style, and technique, and working during the strange year of 2020.

In the year when cinemas were closed for most of it, and films schedules were pushed back to who knows when, you might think it would be tough to talk about the Best Films of 2020 for any length of time. Well think again, as Chris, Wesley, and Ali reunite for their annual chat about their favourite movies of the past 12 months. Picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for films you may have missed first time around, and we're sure you'll find something to tickle your fancy.

This year was such a great one for Scottish writing that we had to split our Best Books of 2020 podcast into two parts to allow time for everything we had to talk about in. For both parts Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, who became a published author herself this year. The two pick their favourite books from the last 12 months, and take many detours and diversions along the way. We hope you find something of interest in their chat. Part I is already available at scotswhayhae.com.

This year was such a great one for Scottish writing that we had to split out Best Books of 2020 podcast into two parts to fit everything we had to talk about in. For both parts Ali was once again joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly, who became a published author herself this year. The two pick their favourite books from the last 12 months, and take many detours and diversions along the way. We hope you find something of interest in their chat, and Part II will follow soon.

The latest SWH! Podcast is an interview with filmmaker Anthony Baxter who talks all about his latest documentary 'Flint', which premieres on BBC Scotland this Tuesday at 10pm (1/12/20) and will be available on iPlayer afterwards. The two talk about the tragic ongoing story behind the film, how and why Anthony became involved, the themes explored and the lessons to be learned, the timely nature of its release, the problems promoting a film in 2020, and a whole lot more. It's a fascinating chat about one of the most important and hard-hitting films of the year.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke with The Bathers' founder and frontman, Chris Thomson, initially to discuss the remastered and reissued 'Marina Trilogy' of the 'Lagoon Blues', 'Sunpowder', and 'Kelvingrove Baby' albums, but the conversation also turns to Marina Records, the story behind the influential Friends Again, how The Bathers helped to capture and create the mood of Glasgow in the '90s, the importance of the band's style and image, the promise of new music, and a whole lot more.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer Angela Hughes and her husband Paul about her memoir 'My Heart's Content: A Journey to Transplant'. Angela sets out not only why she wrote the book, but how it came to publication and the vital role that Paul, and their family and friends, play in the story. A searingly honest read, it is as much about love, and hope, as it is about Angela's specific journey, and, as a result, it is perhaps the most timely publication of recent years.

For the latest podcast Ali caught up with writer and presenter Damian Barr to talk all about the second series of The Big Scottish Book Club which airs on BBC Scotland this Sunday (25th). It's a welcome return to one of the all too few TV shows which unashamedly celebrates and discusses all aspects of the book world and those who love it, and it's great to get such an informed and personal insight into the show, and hear who Damian has lined up to appear this time round. If you love books, and I know you do, then this podcast, like The Big Scottish Book Club itself, is an absolute must.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to Jenny Sturgeon about her latest project 'The Living Mountain', which is not only the name of her new album but her series of podcasts, and the audio/visual live show which she hopes to tour, all of which are inspired by, and infused with the spirit of, Nan Shepherd's wonderful novella of the same name. Jenny Sturgeon is among SWH!'s favourite musicians - one steeped in the folk tradition as in evidence not only in her solo work, but also as a member of Salt House and Northern Flyway, and it was a real treat to talk to her about her work, and how she views the relationship between nature and art.

For the latest SWH! Podcast Ali spoke to singer and songmaker Kirsty Law about her latest project, Helm Arts - the multi-disciplinary production company and artist support service. The two talk about the ethos and ideas behind Helm, and the need to support, advise, and offer help to artists of all kinds. Kirsty relates Helm Arts to experiences in her own career, including the numerous collaborations, multi-disciplinary events, and other projects with which she has been involved over the years wether as producer, curator, or artist, and sometimes all three. It's a fascinating insight into a life lived in the arts, a role which is vital to the well-being of any culture and its people.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to artist and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie about his forthcoming exhibition 'Once Upon A Time', which is at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, Oct - Nov 2020. Lachlan explains the thoughts behind the show, and why his original plans had to be scrapped. 'Once Upon A Time' is partly inspired by reading fairy tales to his daughter, and he discusses the importance of the imagination (especially in periods of isolation) and the enduring influence of the supernatural in Scottish art. The two also discuss Lachlan's superb and comprehensive book 'The Story of Scottish Art' which will have its launch at the Gallery on 16th November. It's an engaging and enlightening conversation with a man who is at the very centre of Scottish Art.

For the latest podcast Ali catches up with Robert Kilpatrick who tells us about his role as General Manager at Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), the process involved in the Scottish Album of the Year Award (SAY) as it reaches the Longlist stage, and his involvement with new record label ICEBLINK LUCK whose debut release with Ruby Gaines you can also hear. Robert is central to so much of what goes on in and around Scottish music and it was fascinating to talk to him about it all.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Graeme Armstrong about his novel 'The Young Team' and a whole lot more. 'The Young Team' is not just one of the books of the year, but one of the best in many a year, and it was fascinating to get an insight into how it came to be and hear how Graeme's life as a writer has developed. The two talk about literary influences, the importance of language, relating the personal in fiction, why the moments between 'events' are vital to any story, the relationship between the writer and reader, and many other aspects of this writer's life. Graeme even teases us with the possibility of things to come. If you love writing, reading, or both, then this podcast is a must listen.

For the latest podcast Ali was joined by writer and journalist Peter Ross to talk about his latest book 'A Tomb With A View'. It was the first one recorded face-to-face since Lockdown began (maintaining the required distance, of course) and it was a real pleasure to be able to chat to Peter in person. If you want to know about the book you'll have listen to the pod, but suffice to say it's a lovely conversation on a subject which touches upon us all.

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to writer John Scott about his memoir 'To The Woods: A Journey Along The Appalachian Trail', which could be described as 'Zen and the Art of Trail Walking' such is the thought and detail involved. John's long walk was 20 years ago, and he reflects on the reasons for taking time out to undertake such a challenge, his complex love/hate affair with the USA, the characters and challenges he met along the way, and how he views his journey 20 years on. Talking to John was as interesting and inspirational as the book itself, and it proves once again that truth can be stranger than fiction.